Flanders Fields, D-Day Beaches & Liberation

The birthplace of Tintin, the Smurfs, and several other famous comic strip characters, Brussels is also the capital of Art Nouveau architecture and the ultimate symbol of the European Union. Home to over 80 museums of all shapes and sizes and for all tastes, the multifaceted capital of Belgium is a laid-back multicultural city with an inescapably authentic and irresistibly quirky character, where the flavors of chocolate, beer, and fried mussels come together to create the city’s mesmerizing scent. Conveniently located between London and Paris, Brussels has always been a hub for international artists and the perfect starting point for a trip across Belgium and beyond.

Despite its small size, Bruges is a city of wonders where divine beauty coexists with the mundane pleasures of exquisite chocolate and locally brewed beer. In the Middle Ages, Bruges was one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. This splendor is evident in Bruges’ sophisticated architecture that features magnificent buildings with unique ornamental elements, such as golden figures and countless turrets. Wandering around the cobblestone lanes of one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world feels like a journey into the past. Back in the present, the city’s peaceful canals mirror the unfathomable beauty of Bruges, capturing it in what seems to be an eternal moment.

The birthplace of Tintin, the Smurfs, and several other famous comic strip characters, Brussels is also the capital of Art Nouveau architecture and the ultimate symbol of the European Union. Home to over 80 museums of all shapes and sizes and for all tastes, the multifaceted capital of Belgium is a laid-back multicultural city with an inescapably authentic and irresistibly quirky character, where the flavors of chocolate, beer, and fried mussels come together to create the city’s mesmerizing scent. Conveniently located between London and Paris, Brussels has always been a hub for international artists and the perfect starting point for a trip across Belgium and beyond.

Paris is situated in the northern part of France. The city sprawls over both banks of the Seine River and on two islands: the Îles Saint Louis and the larger Île de la Cité. The historical city center is built around the Seine, and it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. For a glimpse into the oldest part of Paris, take a stroll along the Seine and around the 1st and 4th districts to admire iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris or the Louvre Museum, among others. But leave some space and time for the rest of the city's districts, as each of Paris' 20 arrondissements possesses incredible treasures to discover.

Because of its geographical location, Bayeux has always been part of France's coastal defense. Progressively, it became an important city in Normandy, the northwestern-most of the eighteen regions of France. Bayeux is linked to two famous cross-Channel invasions. The Norman conquest of England by William the Conqueror in 1066 is depicted on the famous tapestry that has been kept in Bayeux for so many centuries and now bears the town's name. Later on, during the WWII Normandy Landings that took place in June 1944, Bayeux was the first city to be liberated from the German army. These two significant historical events make lesser-known Bayeux a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.

Paris is situated in the northern part of France. The city sprawls over both banks of the Seine River and on two islands: the Îles Saint Louis and the larger Île de la Cité. The historical city center is built around the Seine, and it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. For a glimpse into the oldest part of Paris, take a stroll along the Seine and around the 1st and 4th districts to admire iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris or the Louvre Museum, among others. But leave some space and time for the rest of the city's districts, as each of Paris' 20 arrondissements possesses incredible treasures to discover.